Scope and Contents of the Materials

The collection consists of three folders which contain 63 articles about or by Virginia Claypool Meredith as well as a four leaf clover she found on the site of the Purdue Memorial Union Building immediately preceding the building dedication ceremonies.

Biographical Note

Mrs. Virginia Claypool Meredith was born in Fayette County, Indiana, November 1, 1848, the daughter of Austin B. and Hannah A. Claypool. She graduated from Glendale College in 1866, and married Henry Clay Meredith in 1870. After her husband's death in 1882, she assumed full charge of his large farm and gained national fame in handling his herds and flocks. Her varied achievements in agriculture, home economics, as a public speaker, organizer, writer, editor, and trustee of Purdue University won her nation-wide recognition as the "Queen of American Agriculture".

President Elliott paid her the following tribute at the time of her death on December 10, 1936:

"Thus, comes to an end a brilliant career of devoted service to the nation, the state, the University, and above all to the advancement of the place of women in our civilization. All who had the privilege of working with her were constantly the beneficiaries of her kindly and farsighted wisdom. She was an ideal University trustee. The best of her life was built into the University she loved so much and served so well."